In Iowa, Republicans hope to maintain control of the State House after the Nov. 8 election.

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Out of the 100 seats, 66 are involved in contested races, including the seat in District 15, which it represents the west end of the Council Bluffs and Carter Lake area.

Democratic incumbent Charlie McConkey won his first term in 2014 by 75 votes. Now he is being challenged by Republican Bill Riley. Both were unopposed in the primary.

One house at a time, Riley is hitting the pavement, saying his Eagle Scouts inspired him to run.

“I'd been teaching all these kids how they need to step up and do this. I've been active and I thought, it's time for me to do the same," Riley said.

Riley wants to start with economic development.

“If we can fill West Broadway with our businesses, if we can fill West Locust Street over in Carter Lake, the property taxes alone would help come in and help Council Bluffs Schools without us relying on the state," Riley said. "I want to make sure if there are any opportunities the state gives, to businesses or individuals, that assistance makes its way back to Council Bluffs."

McConkey said his bipartisan work has brought him a lot of success.

"I was able to bills on the floor and in order to do that, you have to work with the Republican representatives," McConkey said.

The bill he is most proud of is one that secured federal funding to alleviate a backlog of untested rape kits.

"Doing that as a freshman, in the minority, I didn't realize it was hard to do it until you do it," McConkey said.

He said his family's future inspired him to run.

"We need to grow a strong economy here in Iowa," McConkey said.

McConkey plans to bring the issue of education to the forefront.

"“We need to grow that with apprenticeship programs, working with employers and community colleges," McConkey said.